An evening of baul music

A musical soiree of folk songs was held recently at the local Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Mymensingh, remembering renowned bauls and spiritual performers of the region. The programme was organised by Novice Foundation, an arts education centre in Mymensingh.

Eminent jatra artiste Gouranga Adhitya inaugurated the event while the chairman of Novice Foundation, Rezaul Karim Aslam delivered the welcome speech. District cultural officer Arzu Parves, drama personality Shahadat Hossain Khan Hilu, Ustad A K M Shahabuddin Khan, baul Sunil Karmakar, Nazrul artiste Bijon Topder and classical maestro Ashish Sarker Tushar were present, among others.

The works of bauls and spiritual artistes - Lalon Shai, Ukil Munshi, Jalal Uddin Khan, Khaleque Dewan, Upendra Sarker, Monmohon Dutta, Abed Ali, Rashid Uddin, Abdul Hye Mashreki and Khabir Uddin Dewan – were the highlights of the event.

A mesmerising performance by Joyeta Orpa, a ninth grader, had the packed auditorium spellbound, as she rendered 20 songs by 10 prominent bards. The artiste was assisted by Raj Kumar on dhol, Probir Dey on tabla, Saidul Islam on dotara, Abdul Kader on mondira and Azizul Islam on flute. Poet Anwara Sultana, Saiful Islam Dudu and Sarwar Jahan anchored the programme.